Joseph R. Paolino Jr. | Paolino Properties managing partner
Whether you’re leading a city, a nonprofit board or a business, I believe the most important quality in a good leader is a willingness to listen.
It’s easy to believe that, as a leader, you alone possess the right instincts and the best ideas that will ultimately result in a good decision. The fact is, however, effective leaders surround themselves with equally capable and resolute people and know when it is time to rely on their advice.
There’s no doubt that leaders must have confidence in their own abilities when presented with a difficult issue. But they also need to be willing to surrender their pride and let the people they’ve assembled around them challenge their preconceived notions or lack of essential knowledge – and take their objections to heart.
Effective leaders understand that listening to different opinions will reveal blind spots you may not have been aware of and provide insights you hadn’t considered.
I find two adages to be true: “In life you can lead, follow or get out of the way,” and, “Don’t put off until tomorrow what can be done today.”
Assess the situation, talk to your team, listen carefully and get to work.
